Due to expected inclement weather in the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. areas, the Agile Delivery Services Industry Day (onsite and virtual) initially scheduled for January 27, 2015 has been postponed. GSA apologizes for any inconvenience caused; however, participants' safety is of the utmost importance.

GSA expects to quickly reschedule the event and will be distributing an email in the coming days with information on the new date for both the onsite and virtual event.

GSA released an RFI on the proposed Agile Delivery Services Blanket purchase agreement (BPA) on FedBizOpps and GSA's eBuy. GSA’s 18F Team and the Office of Integrated Technology Services (ITS) is collaborating on the establishment of a BPA that will feature vendors who specialize in Agile Delivery Services. The goal of the proposed BPA is to decrease software acquisition cycles to less than four weeks (from solicitation to contract) and expedite the delivery of a minimum viable product (MVP) within three months or less.

Elements being used to develop and make this one of the more unique BPAs are:

Small Business Friendly - Encourage work to be performed in small, rapid, independent increments

GSA is requesting feedback from industry and other key stakeholders. To view the official Agile Delivery Services RFI, please visit FedBizOpps. The RFI will be open for review and comment until Friday, January 23rd.

To continue the momentum on this initiative, GSA will be hosting an onsite Agile Delivery Services Industry Day on January 27th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET. Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. If you are interested in attending, Register Here!

For more information on the proposed Agile Delivery Services BPA or the upcoming Industry Day, please contact Mr. Hassan Harris at hassan.harris@gsa.gov

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has denied all protests filed against the award of U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) FSSI Office Supply Third Generation (OS3) solution. The GAO decisions lift the stay of performance on OS3 and GSA can now offer OS3 to federal agencies as a cost-saving and efficient solution for purchasing office supplies. The OS3 solution provides customers with the ability to cut costs and increase efficiencies by buying everyday supplies like pens, paper, and printing items from a list of vendors with negotiated low prices. To learn more about the FSSI OS3 solution, and view a list of the OS3 vendors, visit gsa.gov/os3.12/15/2014

The IT Schedule 70 Cloud Program Management Office (PMO) hosted an onsite Industry Day on November 18th. The Team shared insights from the Cloud SIN RFI responses, responded to vendor questions, and discussed the path forward on the Cloud SIN. The Cloud PMO will now be accepting questions and comments through Thursday, January 15th. To view and download the Terms and Conditions, visit GSA Interact. Feedback and questions must be submitted via email to cloud-sin-rfi@gsa.gov12/15/2014

Cloud SIN DRAFT Terms and Conditions - Available for Review and Comment!

The IT Schedule 70 Cloud Program Management Office (PMO) hosted an onsite Industry Day on November 18th. During that meeting, the team shared insights from the Cloud SIN RFI responses, responded to vendor questions, and discussed the path forward on the Cloud SIN. IT Schedule 70 Cloud PMO received some great feedback and look forward to their continued collaboration with industry throughout the process.

IT Schedule 70’s Cloud PMO is interested in continuing the dialogue has posted the draft Cloud SIN Terms and Conditions for review and comment. In an effort to keep the initiative moving forward, feedback on the draft Cloud SIN Terms and Conditions will be due by close of business Friday, December 5th. To view and download the Terms and Conditions, visit GSA Interact

Join GSA's NITCP 2nd Generation IT (2GIT) Virtual Industry Day on November 18th at 1:00 p.m.

The GSA National Information Technology Commodity Program (NITCP) is hosting an Industry webinar on Tuesday, Nov 18th to gain feedback on the acquisition strategy for the 2nd Generation Information Technology (2GIT) Multiple Award Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). During the one-hour webinar, the NITCP will provide information on the proposed BPA structure, the scope of the BPAs which will be open to all Federal, State and Local governments including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) E-Rate program, and the proposed evaluation factors.

The BPA will be open to all Schedule 70 vendors that carry SINS 132-8 and 132-100

On Tuesday, November 18th, GSA FAS will be hosting an onsite Industry Day to discuss the proposed IT Schedule 70 Special Item Number (SIN) for Cloud Computing Services. GSA issued an RFI to obtain feedback from Industry and other key stakeholders to better understand how industry partners are currently selling cloud computing services on IT Schedule 70 and to determine how best to align its cloud technology offerings to reflect how these services are sold in the market.

During the event, GSA will have a panel of GSA experts on hand to:

Discuss what the SIN will accomplish;

Share high-level results from the RFI responses;

Share progress updates;

Discuss draft documentation including proposed terms and conditions; and

Respond to other project-related questions

When: Tuesday, November 18th

Location: GSA located at 1800F ST NW, Washington, DC,

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST (check-in begins at 9:00 a.m.)

IT Schedule 70 is offering key stakeholders the opportunity to submit your questions prior to the event. If you would like your specific questions addressed during this session, please use this form to submit questions.

Pre-registration is required and closes on Thursday, November 13th. Seating is limited to 275 attendees so REGISTER TODAY! To learn more about the new Cloud SIN Project or if you have additional questions about this event, visit our Cloud SIN page on GSA.gov or email us at CloudPMO@gsa.gov. To view the official RFI, visit FedBizOpps10/30/2014

During our next meeting, IT Schedule 70 Leadership will provide a recap of FY14, discuss our priorities and goals for FY15, and what's new on the horizon for IT Schedule 70 as we continue to strive to be your trusted partner and provide greater value to our customers.

Not only is this a great opportunity to hear the latest and greatest developments in IT Schedule 70, but you will be able to share your thoughts as well!

Who Should Attend: IT Schedule Contractors only Virtual seats are limited so REGISTER HERE!

If you have any questions or comments regarding this upcoming event, please contact us at (855) ITaid4U (482-4348), email: ITCSC@gsa.gov. Or Join the conversation on GSA Interact

We look forward to your participation, insight, and feedback!

10/30/2014

New Contract Solutions Fully Open for Business

GSA is pleased to announce that One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS) is fully open for business, clearing the path forward for agencies to save taxpayer dollars and federal agency resources. Today, GSA issued the Notice to Proceed (NTP) for OASIS, our general, unrestricted solution. The NTP for OASIS Small Business (SB) GSA’s 100-percent small business set-aside contract, was issued earlier this summer.

For information on how customers can begin utilizing the OASIS and OASIS SB contracts, please visit www.gsa.gov/oasis as well as the OASIS Community on GSA Interact.

09/03/2014

GSA Announces Awards for JanSan Purchasing Channel

FAS has established 18 blanket purchase agreements for a new strategic sourcing solution designed to help federal agencies purchase Janitorial and Sanitation (JanSan) supplies at discounted prices that are an average 15.9 percent lower than standard government pricing.

For more information about the purchasing channel JanSan awards, visit the JanSan Community onGSA Interactorgsa.gov/fssijansan. If you have questions, please contact the JanSan Strategic Sourcing Solution Team, at FSSI.jansan@gsa.gov.07/29/2014

MRO Strategic Sourcing

The contractor community should be aware that the MRO strategic sourcing solution is now up and running after a protest period. Additional details are available in this news release.

07/17/2014

GSA Issues Notice to Proceed: OASIS Small Business (SB)

On June 20, GSA issued the Notice to Proceed for OASIS Small Business (SB). The Notice to Proceed means that federal agencies can move forward and begin using this first-of-its-kind, flexible GSA contract solution for procurement of complex professional services.

OASIS SB is an enterprise-wide, small business set-aside acquisition vehicle that will ensure agencies obtain best value solutions for complex professional service requirements.

For more information and to view the list of companies awarded contracts, visit the OASIS Industry Group on GSA Interact.06/25/2014

GSA Announces OASIS Contract Awards

GSA has awarded contracts for the One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS) to companies that will provide customers with best value solutions for complex professional service requirements.

A list of the current vendors is available for viewing on FedBizOpps. For more information, visit the OASIS Industry Group on GSA Interact05/19/2014

Increase your competitiveness with new environmental training

With GSA including environmental considerations in more contract solicitations every year, we’re sharing new training to help vendors reduce energy costs, protect the environment, and increase their competitiveness in winning GSA contracts. The training focuses on easy steps vendors can take to reduce their energy costs and associated greenhouse gas pollution, which causes global warming. GSA recognizes our obligation to safeguard America’s future by purchasing products and services that minimize our impact on the environment. Vendors are key partners in our efforts to protect federal agencies, taxpayers, and vendors from the impacts of environmental damage and higher energy prices. To learn more, click on “greenhouse gases” under the Education tab.04/21/2014

Update on GSA's MRO Purchasing Channel Protest

GSA has made it a top priority to work closely with both our industry and federal partners throughout the MRO Purchasing Channel solicitation. GSA is confident that the MRO protest filed with GAO will be resolved or denied in a timely fashion, and that the Agency will be able to proceed with these solicitations in accordance with the Agency's projected deadline. Pending the outcome of the protest, GSA has removed reference to the awardees and will provide the listing once there is a resolution. Ultimately, MRO will strengthen the federal government by reducing costs and expenses, minimizing contract duplication and improving efficiency. MRO will also deliver great benefits to GSA’s industry partners and maximize opportunities for small businesses.

If you have any questions, please email them to FSSI.MRO@gsa.gov.03/18/2014

FEMP Updates Product Energy Efficiency Requirements

The Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) recently updated energy efficiency requirements for Federal procurement of commercial boilers, water-cooled ice machines, and industrial (high/low bay) luminaires, and established new efficiency requirements for suspended luminaires. Vendors supplying products within these four product categories should follow the links to review the updated and new efficiency requirements on the FEMP website, and then update the FEMP-designated status of the products they supply in SIP. Only products that meet the efficiency requirements should be labeled as FEMP-designated in SIP and on GSA Advantage.

Federal agencies are required by law to procure products that meet or exceed the FEMP-designated level of efficiency. FEMP updates efficiency requirements for product categories periodically – approximately every two years – to fulfill its mandate of identifying the efficiency level of the top 25 percent of products in a given product category. FEMP is also mandated to identify new product categories for which establishing efficiency requirements would result in significant energy savings to the Federal Government. Visit FEMP’s energy-efficient product procurement program website to learn more.03/18/2014

GSA Announces Awards for MRO Purchasing Channel

FAS has awarded 23 blanket purchase agreements for a new Strategic Sourcing solution designed to help federal agencies purchase Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) equipment and supplies at discounted prices under the purchasing channel. The new discounted pricing will be available no later than April 1, 2014.

For more information or to view the list of awardees, visit www.gsa.gov/fssimro or the MRO Community on GSA Interact. If you have questions, please contact Doris Weyh, MRO Strategic Sourcing Solution Project Manager, at FSSI.MRO@gsa.gov03/07/2014

GSA Announces OASIS Small Business Contract Awards

GSA has awarded contracts for the One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS) Small Business (SB) to companies that will provide customers with best value solutions for complex professional service requirements. OASIS SB is an enterprise-wide, small business set-aside acquisition vehicle that will ensure agencies obtain best value solutions for complex professional service requirements. For more information and to view the list of companies awarded contracts, visit the OASIS Industry Group on GSA Interact.

02/24/2014

GSA Guaranteed Minimum Payment Project

GSA recently changed its process for administering clause I-FSS-106, Guaranteed Minimum, in Multiple Award Schedule contracts. Beginning April 1, 2013, GSA will determine eligibility for all cancelled or expired contracts based on the clause requirements and proceed with processing payment of the guaranteed minimum to eligible contractors, instead of requiring contractors to request the guaranteed minimum review and payment.

Contracts cancelled by GSA for not meeting the minimum sales requirements or contracts expired between January 2, 2007 and March 31, 2013 have been reviewed to determine eligibility. All contracts determined to have met the clause requirements had emails sent to the company’s last Contract Administrator and Authorized Negotiator requesting a response in order to remit the guaranteed minimum payment. We suggest checking spam folders for the email. For questions regarding the above referenced email for contracts that expired or were cancelled during this specific time period, contact the project team at Guaranteed.Minimum@gsa.gov. In all other cases, please refer questions to your Contracting Officer.

Eligibility for Guaranteed Minimum

In accordance with clause I-FSS-106, contractors must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the Guaranteed Minimum payment when:

Contract cancellation was initiated by the Government or contract expired

Contractor reported sales and the Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) timely throughout the contract period

The minimum that the Government agrees to order during the period of this contract is $2,500. If the Contractor receives total orders for less than $2,500 during the term of the contract, the Government will pay the difference between the amount ordered and $2,500.

(a) Payment of any amount due under this clause shall be contingent upon the Contractor’s timely submission of GSA Form 72A reports (see GSAR 552.238-74 “Industrial Funding Fee and Sales Reporting”) during the period of the contract and receipt of the close-out sales report pursuant to GSAR 552.238-74.

(b) The guaranteed minimum applies only if the contract expires or contract cancellation is initiated by the Government. The guaranteed minimum does not apply if the contract is cancelled for cause or if the contract is canceled at the request of the Contractor.

12/11/2013

GSA Rolls out Live Chat Functionality for Customers on GSA.gov

In order to ensure GSA’s Federal and State Agency customers are provided with alternative ways to get their questions answered, Live Chat functionality has been deployed on 53 Acquisition Operations (AO) Multiple Award Schedule GSA.gov pages. As a result, the role of our National Customer Service Center representatives will be expanded to respond to “Chat Now” requests as they are received.

Customers can also reach GSA customer service representatives via the single, toll free number for all Acquisition Operation (AO) schedules: 1-800-488-3111, or by emailing them at mashelpdesk@gsa.gov .

A: No, the clause remains in effect, and is incorporated by reference. You can read the entire text of the clause in the Federal Acquisition Regulation online at http://acquisition.gov; select the Federal Acquisition Regulation, and go to Part 52 - Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses.

08/29/2013

New Authorization for National Voluntary Organizations Active in a Disaster (NVOAD) to Purchase via Schedules

GSA Schedule contractors can now sell to the National Voluntary Organizations Active in a Disaster (NVOAD) through their Federal Supply Schedules contract. Section 2 of the Federal Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-263), states that the Administrator of General Services may provide for the use of Federal Supply Schedules, by other qualified organizations to facilitate emergency preparedness and disaster relief. Under the Act, the term “qualified organization” means a relief or disaster assistance organization as described in section 309 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5152).

GSA, pursuant to this Act, has authorized the NVOAD members to access Schedules when purchasing in furtherance of emergency preparedness and disaster relief. GSA Order 4800.2H, Eligibility to Use GSA Sources of Supply, has been updated to reflect this new eligible ordering activity. This authorization allows for immediate access to all Schedules, when the NVOAD members are purchasing in furtherance of purposes of emergency preparedness and disaster relief.

Purchases under this authority by other qualified organizations shall be used only in furtherance of purposes determined to be appropriate to facilitate emergency preparedness and disaster relief and set forth in guidance by the Administrator of General Services, in consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The authority under this subsection may not be used to purchase supplies for resale.

There is no modification, required at this time, to your Schedule contract in order to accept orders from the NVOAD members. Acceptance of orders from the National Volunteer Organizations Active in a Disaster, is voluntary. Schedule contractors may decline an order, for any reason, within a five-day period after receipt of the order; however, credit card orders must be declined within 24 hours (GSAM 552.232-79). Orders placed under this authority are subject to the Industrial Funding Fee and should be reported quarterly on your 72a form under your Federal sales. For a list of NVOAD members, please visit, www.nvoad.org. For questions, please contact Tricia Scaglione at patricia.scaglione@gsa.gov, or refer to the NVOAD FAQs.

08/15/2013

GSA Launches Enhanced Customer Service Model

One of GSA’s goals is to make it easier for our customers to obtain information on the Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) and improve the customer’s overall experience with the MAS program. As a result, GSA has developed an enhanced customer service model and is pleased to announce the launch of Enhanced Customer Service Delivery (ECSD).

The ECSD solution includes consolidating the seven toll-free MAS customer service numbers into a single, toll free phone number. The new, standardized toll free number for customers will be 1-800-488-3111. Other changes include the incorporation of the standardized email address of MASHelpDesk@gsa.gov in various locations on the web and the implementation of several process improvements that will make it easier for customers to use MAS and get in contact with the right SMEs.

For our Industry Partners, the Vendor Support Center Help Desk will continue to be available to respond to inquiries on a variety of GSA topics and will continue to be your primary source for information on the web.

Visit the MAS Community on GSA Interact for more information and share this latest change, as needed, with the Customer Community. If there are additional questions, please contact Angela Lehman at angela.lehman@gsa.gov.

08/09/2013

GSA Releases Final OASIS Requests For Proposals

GSA today released the final request for proposals (RFPs) for One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS), a new acquisition vehicle that will provide comprehensive solutions for both commercial and noncommercial professional services requirements.

Two final RFPs—one for an unrestricted contract with a very high small business subcontracting goal, and another that includes 100-percent small business set aside contracts, are now available for review on FedBizOpps at OASIS Final RFP and OASIS SB Final RFP.

GSA has launched it's government-managed Reverse Auction Platform. It went live July 1, 2013 and is now ready for use. This training will provide the vendor community with information on the benefits of using reverse auction and how to utilize the platform to bid on auctions released by Buyers. Training will take vendors through the auction process and end with a question and answer session.

Immediate Expansion of the State and Local Disaster Recovery Purchasing Program

Section 4 of the Federal Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-263), stated that the Recovery Purchasing program, initially created under the John Warner Defense Authorization Act of 2007, be expanded to include the words “facilitate disaster preparedness or response.”

GSA, pursuant to this Act, has authorized the expansion of the State and Local Disaster Recovery Purchasing program to include state and local access to Federal Supply Schedules for the purposes of disaster preparation and response, in addition to facilitation of recovery from major disasters. GSA Order 4800.2H, Eligibility to Use GSA Sources of Supply, has been updated to reflect this new expansion of scope. This authorization allows for immediate access to all Schedules, when state and local governments are purchasing to facilitate recovery from major disasters or for disaster preparation or response.

GSA FAS encouraged full participation of small businesses in the procurement process for this multiple award PM/CPI BPA program, and included socioeconomic requirements within the evaluation criteria. Small business utilization was the second most important evaluation factor. Small business set asides at the task order level are fully supported. This innovative approach to enable small business opportunity on mixed teams is the first of its kind.

PM/CPI BPAs were designed to support several hallmarks of strategic sourcing initiatives. These include:

Defined customer group with requirements tailored to customer needs

Data (which allows for deeper business intelligence and commodity management)

Attention Schedule 738X Contract Holders! - The recent issue with mass modification A305 that prevented contractors from acceptance has been resolved. You may now accept the mass modification with no complications. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
06/27/2013

Improving Environmental Icon Accuracy – Upcoming SIP Changes

GSA has a goal to increase the accuracy rate of the green icons used on GSAAdvantage!® to identify green products. To support this goal, GSA intends to change the Schedules Input Program (SIP) so that only relevant green icon(s) are available for each Special Item Number (SIN). For most SINs, this will entail limiting the icons in SIP from what is currently available. For some SINs, the CPG has been erroneously unavailable and GSA will be adding it back as an option in SIP.

Here’s an example: SIN 852 1 Toiletries includes items with a BioPreferred requirement, such as hand cleaners and lip care products. SIP currently allows vendors to indicate that these products meet other green requirements, including CPG, FEMP (energy-efficiency), and WaterSense (water-efficiency). This change will remove these other green requirements as an option in SIP and only allow vendors to select the BioPreferred icon for SIN 852 1.

GSA has compiled a list of the SINs that will be available in SIP for each green icon after the change is implemented (available here). Vendors are encouraged to review the list and e-mail Brennan Conaway at brennan.conaway@gsa.gov if there are additional SINs currently “grayed out” in SIP that should be included, particularly for the CPG icon. Please note that while this change will improve accuracy, vendors are still responsible for selecting the correct green icon in SIP (in accordance with Clause 552.238-72). GSA will receive vendor input until June 14, 2013.

05/14/2013

Attention Industry! Sign Up for OASIS Industry Day and One-on-One Sessions!

To ensure maximum Industry participation in the development of One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS), GSA's next generation contract vehicle, GSA will be hosting an Industry Day on May 13 at GSA headquarters in Washington, DC. The event will consist of two sessions-- one for OASIS and a second for OASIS SB (Small Business)-- and will give Industry Partners an opportunity to ask questions about the recently released OASIS draft RFPs.

In addition, GSA will be conducting a new round of one-on-one sessions with Industry. The sessions will be held immediately after Industry Day starting Tuesday, May 14 through Friday, May 17 at GSA offices in Crystal City, VA. The “price of admission” is a white paper that discusses your comments, suggestions, and observations of the drafts, our approach, our innovative features, etc.

Safety and Security Solutions for Schools - President Obama recently unveiled a set of proposals to reduce gun violence and protect our children and communities. As part of the President’s 23 point plan, GSA is charged with leveraging its purchasing power to help schools purchase affordable safety and security solutions.

We want to remind our Schedule 70 and Schedule 84 vendor partners that you can sell to state and local governments, including public school districts, colleges and other institutions of higher education, through the Cooperative Purchasing program. Many of the products and services you offer through your Schedule 70 and Schedule 84 contracts are directly related to school security, including, but not limited to:

Security Cameras and Surveillance Systems

Magnetometers

Security Consulting Services

Emergency and Security Communications Equipment

Security System Management,

Security Design & Support Services,

Alarm and Access Control Systems

Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credentialing Services

GSA is committed to helping schools meet the new safety and security concerns they now face to ensure a safe and productive learning environment. As an integral partner in this program, we wanted to remind you of your ability to sell directly to these public entities in support of their new safety and security mission. We ask for your assistance in promoting the features and benefits of this important program in addition to the products and services available through your Multiple Award Schedule contract(s). As always, vendor participation in the Cooperative Purchasing Program is voluntary.

Together, we can help schools meet the new safety and security concerns they now face, and provide the flexibility, savings and solutions to ensure safe and productive learning environments.

Local elementary, middle and high schools operated by public school boards. Charter school programs are generally eligible, if chartered and operated by local school authorities and if they provide free public education. Public or non-profit colleges and universities that are nationally accredited or recognized and provide at least a 2 year program that offers a degree or offers credit toward such a degree;

Ineligible Users or Entities That May Require Further Determination:

Private or parochial K-12 schools are not generally eligible. The key elements are the "agency" character of the organization and the "free" character of the education.

State and local governments, including schools, that wish to use the Federal Supply Schedules under Cooperative Purchasing, are responsible for ensuring that only authorized representatives of their governments place orders against these Schedules.

03/08/2013

DUNS Number Required for Vendor Education Center - The Vendor Education Center (VEC) is a one-stop resource that provides GSA's commercial partners with educational seminars and materials to help them succeed in the federal government marketplace. Recent changes to the VEC require all accounts to have a DUNS number. To update your profile in the VEC with your company's DUNS number, simply follow these steps:

GSA has launched two new strategic sourcing communities on GSA Interact, GSA's open, collaborative community for connecting, communicating, learning and engaging across topics. These two communities will provide up-to-date information regarding two new strategic sourcing solutions underway:

FSSI was established by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the May 20, 2005, Implementing Strategic Sourcing memo. OMB reinforced the Government’s commitment to strategic sourcing in their December 5, 2012 Improving Acquisition through Strategic Sourcing memo.

To date, FSSI counts more than 20 federal agencies, both military and civilian, as active participants.

GSA is taking a lead role in developing these solutions to bring commonsense improvements to the acquisition process. An important part of the process is working with industry and agency stakeholders to understand ways the government can reduce its costs. The JanSan and MRO teams encourage industry to visit these pages for the latest updates on the acquisition process for this solution. Become a member today and join the discussion!

02/07/2013

Help influence and improve FSSI! Attend GSA’s “Listen To Industry” Day on FSSI JanSan and MRO Products Jan 30th

GSA is working with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and partner agencies to create 10 new government-wide strategic sourcing solutions for a range of commonly purchased products and services. One of these new solutions will be for janitorial and sanitation supplies; and includes supplies and equipment (excluding services) such as bleach, trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper, mops, floor buffers, etc. The second one will be for maintenance, repair, and operations products; and includes supplies and equipment (excluding services) such as hardware, power tools, pipes, valves, electrical equipment, lighting, etc.

The upcoming event will primarily focus on product offerings under Schedules 51V, 56, 73, 75, and 81IB so register today! for GSA’s “Listen To Industry” Day at GSA Headquarters Auditorium on Jan 30th and share your thoughts about commercial best practices, that will help scope these two vehicles appropriately, identify key requirements and be prepared to compete!

Your valuable input is needed in order to successfully build an FSSI to sustain life-cycle benefits to the end user, and to make the U.S. Government a better customer.

Monthly GSA Schedules Training - Take advantage of our monthly GSA Schedules training and learn how to effectively use the Schedules program to meet your business goals. Learn how GSA’s tools enhance competition, maximize small business utilization and much more. Visit the GSA website or GSA Interact for more information.

04/04/2013 (1 CLP Credit) FAR Subpart 8.4 versus Open Market - This course will explore the differences and similarities between Subpart 8.4 and Parts 13 & 15 procedures, advantages and disadvantages for various situations, and help you analyze the alternatives as you develop your acquisition strategy.

01/29/2013

Attention Industry! Visit GSA Interact to learn about GSA's new acquisition vehicle and join the discussion!

GSA Interact, GSA's open, collaborative community for connecting, communicating, learning and engaging across topics, has become a key source for up-to-date information about One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS), GSA's next generation contract vehicle.

With more than 2,000 community members, the OASIS Community is now one of GSA Interact's most active communities, featuring blog entries and engaging discussions on a variety of topics related to the development of this new acquisition vehicle. Most recently, GSA's OASIS team posted the redacted version of the OASIS Business Case on GSA Interact. Click HERE read more about the business case and access the document.

GSA encourages all Industry Partners to visit GSA Interact and become a member of the OASIS Community. Join today!

01/29/2013

Removal of AbilityOne Items from GSA Schedules - Click here to find the updated Essentially The Same (ETS) Procurement List file effective as of 1-3-13. This is the first ETS file that has been jointly developed by AbilityOne and GSA. Products and services under the AbilityOne Program are the mandatory source for use by federal customers. The AbilityOne Program is outlined by the Javits-Wagner- O’Day (JWOD) Act (41 U.S.C. 46 – 48c) and must be adhered to by all MAS contract holders. An item that is determined to be ‘essentially the same’ as an item on the Procurement List is understood to have the same form, fit and function, fair market price, and unit of issue as the AbilityOne labeled item, and therefore cannot be sold in competition with AbiltyOne items.

GSA has conducted a review of MAS items that may be ETS, and is in the process of initiating remediation and removal of ETS items from Schedules. If GSA has determined that there are items on individual MAS contracts which are ETS, Vendors will be contacted regarding their listing of ETS item(s) that will be removed from contract as well as Advantage!

If you offer products that are ETS as AbilityOne products, you are encouraged to become an authorized distributor of AbilityOne products. For more information on the AbilityOne Program and how to become an authorized distributor, please visit www.abilityone.gov. If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth.Hamilton@gsa.gov.

01/07/2013

Schedules Modernization Focus Groups - GSA recently held a series of Schedules Modernization Industry Focus Groups from Oct. 23 through Nov. 15. During the sessions, industry participants provided a wealth of feedback that helped identity which solutions GSA needs to focus on in order to support missions more effectively. Topics included:

The need for an easy-to-use pricing tool

Reformation of pricing policies

Consolidation/reduction of contract solution sets

Other enhancements that will modernize MAS

Participants provided an array of terrific ideas regarding how GSA can provide our agency customers with the most efficient and effective MAS program. Visit the Multiple Award Schedule community on GSA Interact to view the focus group notes prepared by GSA.

01/07/2013

New Biobased Product Reporting Requirement - Service and construction contractors are required to report their purchases of biobased products for supply or use under Federal contracts. The reporting requirement applies if:

Your contract or task order was signed between May 18, 2012 and September 30, 2012, AND

The contract or task order included FAR clause 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products under Service and Construction Contracts.

Reports for FY2012 purchases originally were due to the contracting officer by the end of October. Under a class deviation issued November 2, 2012, affected GSA service and construction contractors can report by December 31, 2012. Other agencies also issued class deviations for their contracts.

Where Do You Report?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture created a reporting portal on the BioPreferred web site, www.biopreferred.gov. Instead of reporting to the contracting officer, you will submit your report via this portal. First read the step-by-step instructions and the frequently asked questions. The step-by-step instructions include a link to a template you can use to gather your data before reporting.

If you already submitted a report to the contracting officer, the agency will submit your report to USDA.

What Do You Report?

You will be reporting your purchases of any BioPreferred items you purchased for supply or use under your contract or task order. You can find the list of BioPreferred items on the USDA BioPreferred web site or the Green Products Compilation, which is a searchable list of green products Federal agencies are required to purchase, www.sftool.gov/greenprocurement.

You will be asked to submit one report per contract or task order per agency. You will be asked to indicate the dollar value of BioPreferred items you purchased for that contract or order.

You also will be asked to enter your DUNS number, the contract or order number, and the agency. USDA downloaded FY2012 contract and order numbers from the Federal Procurement Data System to use as a validation check, but if for some reason your contract was not entered into FPDS or there is an error, you will receive an error message and will not be able to report your purchasing data. In that case, report your data to the contracting officer and environmental point of contact listed in clause 52.223-2.

If you have questions after reviewing the information on the USDA web site, please contact your contracting officer or FAS Green Purchasing at fasgreenpurchasing@gsa.gov.

11/14/2012

Hurricane Sandy Recovery Purchasing - As recovery efforts from Hurricane Sandy continue throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) would like to remind our vendor community of the authority granted to the Administrator of General Services to assist state and local governments. Under Section 833 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Public Law 109-364) and Section 4 of the Federal Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-263) (codified at 40 U.S.C. § 502(d)), state and local governments may access GSA Federal Supply Schedules to facilitate preparation, response, and recovery from a natural disaster such as Hurricane Sandy. Sales by GSA Federal Supply Schedule contractors to state and local governments under this authority for purposes of disaster recovery are voluntary.

Sales under these authorities are subject to the Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) and should be reported on the contractor’s 72a quarterly reports, under the Disaster Recovery Purchasing Program. GSA is committed to helping state and local governments to the fullest extent possible in support of their focused efforts in rebuilding the impacted communities.

Shipping Terms for Products on GSA Advantage!® - Vendors with contracts negotiated with both F.O.B. destination and origin shipping terms at the product level should review and update their GSA Advantage!® submission. The recently-released Version 7.6 of the Schedules Input Program (SIP) allows vendors to differentiate shipping terms at the product level. Effective February 1, 2012, customers are expected to pay only the price shown. Ensure the shipping terms on your contract are correct by downloading or upgrading to SIP 7.6 using these instructions.
11/14/2012

GSA Announces Plan to Modernize Schedules - In order to better enable Industry to provide GSA’s agency customers with the right products and services, GSA is moving its Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program to a more efficient model. Referred to as the Demand Based Model (DBM), this new business model will provide GSA’s Industry partners with more opportunities and an expedited awards process.

GSA published a Federal Register Notice describing the DBM and will accept feedback from the public and industry, especially from small businesses. GSA encourages such feedback to provide specific operational implementation recommendations. Feedback must be provided on or before 30 days after date of publication to GSA at DemandBasedModel@gsa.gov.

11/14/2012

Green Products Compilation - The new web-based Green Products Compilation (GPC) is an educational tool used to facilitate the procurement of green products and services. The products listed are those for which the EPA, DOE, or USDA have issued designations or otherwise provided guidance for environmental or energy attributes. This interactive tool consolidates and organizes information from these federal green purchasing programs in one place, saving you from researching multiple web sites to identify the green products tha federal purchasers need. It allows users to search, sort, and identify sustainable products and their associated guidance documentation to facilitate green purchasing decisions. Get started now at http://sftool.gov/GreenProcurement/.
11/14/2012

Are You Accessing the Correct Website for the System for Award Management? - The System for Award Management (SAM) is a free web site that consolidated the capabilities you used to find in CCR/FedReg, ORCA, and EPLS. Recently, contractors reported being charged a registration fee for SAM. These contractors were inadvertently accessing the incorrect website, as there is no fee associated with the System for Award Management.

When searching for “SAM” or “www.sam.gov” in search engines, pay close attention to the results generated. The correct website is www.sam.gov, and can be identified by the “Uncle Sam” hat logo. So, remember, ensure the web address is actually www.sam.gov, and you will be able to register without a fee!